Buses are usually safe on our roadways, but it only takes one reckless or negligent bus driver to ruin a life. A large bus that strikes a car, cyclist, or pedestrian can cause tremendous damage. Bus crashes result in significant hardship for victims and their families.
If you have been in a bus accident, you may have accrued staggering medical expenses and endured enormous pain and suffering. It may seem like there is no end in sight, and it can feel hopeless. A Knightsville bus accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve.
The Thumbs Up Guys from Miller, Dawson, Sigal & Ward Injury Attorneys can help. Our Knightsville personal injury lawyers have recovered millions of dollars in damages. Tell us your story during your free case review.
What to Do After a Bus Accident
The hours and days after a bus accident are very important. A lot may happen, and it can be tough to keep up.
Get a Medical Evaluation
Establish your medical condition as soon as possible after the accident. If an ambulance arrives on the scene and wants to take you to the hospital, let them. The surge of adrenaline you experience during the crash could mask symptoms that will materialize later.
If you didn’t go to the doctor on the day of the accident, go as soon as possible afterward. Seeking medical advice helps your case. It is a good idea to talk to a bus accident lawyer in Knightsville to better understand the kind of compensation you can expect.
Keep Detailed Records
Document your medical expenses, such as emergency room and doctor visits, physical therapy, and even psychological counseling you require after the crash. It is also smart to keep notes on any changes that you or your family have experienced as a result of the accident.
These records will help your attorneys later. By keeping detailed notes, you will help them understand what happened during and after the accident and come up with a fair settlement amount.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
An insurance company may offer a settlement not long after the accident. Before accepting it, speak with a Knightsville bus accident lawyer. Remember, insurance companies usually want to pay out as little as possible.
Our lawyers at The Thumbs Up Guys can give you an idea of your case’s actual worth. We will work to get you the compensation you deserve, not what the insurance company thinks you should get.
How a Knightsville Bus Accident Lawyer Can Help
The Thumbs Up Guys can provide a range of services to help you get the compensation you need. We are here to help. While every case is different, here are a few of the things you may expect:
- Free case evaluation: We want to hear your story. Come prepared to ask and answer questions, and together, we can develop a plan for your case.
- Legal advice: We’ll offer advice tailored to your specific situation with the ultimate goal of getting you the compensation you deserve.
- Peace of mind: You don’t have to deal with lawyers and insurance companies alone. We’ll take that burden off your shoulders so you can focus on healing.
- Research and investigation: We’ll sift through the facts surrounding your bus accident to determine which parties are liable and how to proceed.
- Maximize compensation: We’ll gain a thorough understanding of the medical, financial, and psychological hardships you and your family have suffered as a result of the accident. This helps us determine a fair compensation amount.
- Negotiate with insurance companies: We’ll sit down at the negotiating table and work toward getting you the compensation that will make a difference in your life.
- Go to court: While we’d prefer to settle things amicably through negotiation, we won’t shy away from a fight. If you are agreeable, we will represent you in a civil trial and let a court determine your award.
Who Is Liable in a Bus Accident?
Any number of parties could be held accountable after a bus accident. A Knightsville bus accident lawyer can determine who is liable. Some of the most likely possibilities include:
The Bus Driver
Distracted driving, speeding, and failing to adhere to traffic laws are all reasons the bus driver may be liable for the crash. Drivers may also be under the influence of alcohol or drugs or overtired due to working long hours or excessive shifts.
The Bus Company
Poor training programs, improper bus maintenance, or incompetent hiring practices could lead to liability for the bus company itself. Even if the driver is to blame for the accident, their employer may be liable through vicarious liability.
Other Drivers
If another driver caused the action of the bus driver that led to your accident, the bus driver may not be at fault. In some cases, a third driver may be liable for causing the accident.
Government Organizations
Public transit resources are often owned and managed by the city government. If that’s the case, they may be liable for your accident. The government may also play a role in cases where poor roadway maintenance leads to crashes.
Passengers
Unruly passengers who disrupt the bus’s normal operations or interfere with the driver’s ability to do their job could be held accountable for an accident.
Pedestrians
When people disregard traffic signals or jaywalk either willfully or through negligence, it could lead to accidents for which they are liable.
South Carolina is not a no-fault state. Due to comparative negligence laws, if your responsibility in an accident is less than 50%, you may be able to file a claim for compensation against any of the above.
Reach Out to a Knightsville Bus Accident Lawyer
We rely on our mass transit systems to get us around safely, and buses are an important part of that system. Most bus drivers and the companies they work for operate safely and conscientiously. When some don’t, horrible accidents can occur.
The destruction caused by a large bus can devastate lives and families. A Knightsville bus accident attorney can help you stand up to insurance companies and lawyers to obtain the compensation you need.
The Thumbs Up Guys will work to deliver results that matter. We know you have enough to deal with when a bus crash turns your life upside down. Reach out to us today and find out how we can help.